Overview
Fullmetal Alchemist is a multimedia franchise represented in Volluble by 15 connected works across 6 media categories. This hub organizes the franchise by release chronology and gives newcomers a clear starting point.
Synopsis
Fullmetal Alchemist follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers whose attempt to resurrect their mother through alchemy goes catastrophically wrong. Edward loses limbs; Alphonse loses his entire body, his soul bound to a suit of armor. To restore what they lost, Edward becomes a State Alchemist and the brothers travel the country of Amestris searching for the Philosopher's Stone. Their journey exposes military secrets, unethical experiments, and a conspiracy that threatens the entire nation.
The world runs on alchemy, a science governed by equivalent exchange: to create something, something of equal value must be lost. Edward's mechanical limbs and Alphonse's armored form are constant reminders of that law. As they meet allies and enemies, the brothers confront questions about sacrifice, humanity, and whether the cost of their goal can ever be justified.
The franchise began as Hiromu Arakawa's manga before expanding into multiple anime adaptations, films, OVAs, and side stories. The 2003 anime and 2009's Brotherhood offer different paths through the story, while films and spin-offs explore new corners of Amestris and beyond. Across these versions, the core remains the Elric brothers' bond and their fight to reclaim their bodies.
Trailer
Anime, Manga & Related Material
Browse the connected catalog from the earliest release forward, newest first, or alphabetically.
Where Should You Start?
Volluble Recommended Start
Start with Fullmetal Alchemist. It gives newcomers a practical first look before committing to the wider franchise.
Source-Material Route
If you prefer the original source, begin with Fullmetal Alchemist and follow the source-material branch from there.
Core Franchise Path
- MangaFullmetal Alchemist2001 · Manga · 116 chapters
- NovelFullmetal Alchemist2003 · Novel · 35 chapters
- AnimeFullmetal Alchemist2003 · Anime · 51 episodes
- MovieFullmetal Alchemist: The Movie - Conqueror of Shamballa2005 · Movie · 1 episodes
- AnimeFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood2009 · Anime · 64 episodes
- OvaFullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood OVA Collection2009 · Ova · 4 episodes
- MangaFullmetal Alchemist 20th Anniversary Book2021 · Manga · 10 chapters
Volluble Test Drive
Use the recommended starting point above. If its characters, world and pacing click with you, continue into the core path or move to the source material for more detail.
Should You Get Into It?
Try it if you enjoy…
- A large catalog gives you multiple ways into Fullmetal Alchemist, from core series to movies and side material.
- The franchise can be explored chronologically or by following only the core continuity.
- Anime-first viewers can sample the recommended start before deciding whether to move into the source material.
It may not suit you if…
- A large franchise can make watch order and continuity choices confusing at first.
- Alternate versions, recuts, movies and side stories may overlap with the core story.
- Completion can require a significant time commitment if you choose to explore every connected work.
Franchise Background
Fullmetal Alchemist traces its Volluble catalog back to Fullmetal Alchemist (2001). The catalog above separates core works, adaptations, alternate versions, movies, specials and other connected material so the release history remains understandable as the franchise grows.
Join the Fullmetal Alchemist Community
Discussion groups, polls, reviews and fan activity will plug into this franchise hub through Centropy Community.
